Pistons 111, Knicks 105 – The Pistons avoided a huge letdown on Thursday night, holding on to beat the New York Knicks.

The Pistons jumped out to a commanding 60-36 lead at halftime, but the Knicks answered by outscoring Detroit 35-18 during the third quarter to cut their deficit to seven points heading into the final stanza.

The Knicks managed to take a 97-95 lead with 2:21 left in regulation on a Robin Lopez layup, but the Pistons closed the game out on a 16-8 run to seal the win.

Stanley Johnson, who made his first career National Basketball Association start, led the Pistons with 22 points. Reggie Jackson added 21 points, while Andre Drummond chipped in with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Knicks were led by Lopez with a game-high 26 points, while former Piston Arron Afflalo added 24 points.

The Pistons are now 27-24 on the season, good for an eighth place tie in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They have a two-game lead over the Charlotte Hornets for the final playoff spot.